Sudan – Reports of dozens killed in drone attacks and the United Nations calls for the protection of civilians

Turk said in a press release: “These recent killings are a new reminder of the devastating consequences on civilians of the escalating use of drones in the war in Sudan.”

He added that it establishes a pattern “We have seen it time and time again in this conflict: attacks on civilian objects and infrastructure, including markets, health facilities and schools.”

He stressed the need for all parties to stop continuing attacks on civilian objects and take urgent measures to protect civilians, including refraining from military use of civilian objects.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights renewed his call on the two parties to stop the violence and engage fully in dialogue in an effort to reach a ceasefire.

At the same time, he reiterated his call on all states, especially those with influence, to do everything in their power to end arms transfers that fuel conflict and undermine the protection of civilians.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan is entering its fourth year, after it broke out on April 15 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

A humanitarian convoy arrives in Kordofan

On the humanitarian front, a joint UN inter-agency convoy arrived in the cities of Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan State, carrying life-saving humanitarian supplies to support more than 130,000 people.

This convoy is the first major operation to deliver aid to the region in three months. It carried supplies, including medical, food, health and educational supplies, and water. The Dilling and Kaudgli have been largely cut off from aid for more than two years.

Sheldon Yate, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, said that the arrival of this convoy is a necessary lifeline for children who have been cut off from aid for a long time.

These supplies will allow UNICEF and its partners to continue treating children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The UNICEF official said: “Reaching Dilling and Kaudugli is an essential step to ensure that children in South Kordofan are not forgotten.”

Escalating clashes and insecurity along the Al-Obeid-Dilling-Kaudugli road led to the convoy being halted for more than 40 days, delaying the mission and exposing communities to further risks. The convoy was eventually able to reach the city of Dilling via a longer and more difficult path outside the main roads.

Regarding this, McKenna Walker, Acting Director of the World Food Program in Sudan, said: “After weeks of delay and a difficult alternate route, these life-saving supplies are finally arriving in the cities of Dilling and Kadugli. This demonstrates what can be achieved when we can push humanitarian convoys forward even in extremely complex circumstances.” She stressed the need for roads to remain open and predictable.

Luca Renda, UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan, said the arrival of life-saving medicines in South Kordofan is a sign of hope for patients who have watched stocks dwindle during the war.

To preserve the lives of patients, he stressed the need to support national systems that can ensure the regular delivery of medical supplies throughout Sudan, even as the conflict continues.

The United Nations calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need.